Groundbreaking for $15M Eisenhower Park ice rink

Called Twin Rinks at Eisenhower Park, the complex will include Ferraro Brothers Ice Center, an 85,000-square-foot world-class facility with two NHL regulation-sized rinks and one outdoor recreational hockey rink run by former NHL players Chris and Peter Ferraro. The Ferraros have partnered with Joel and Ronald Friedman of Jericho-based law firm SilvermanAcampora in the venture.

Nassau chose the Twin Rinks development group to construct the facility after issuing a request for proposals in June 2012, according to a statement. The group has secured a 50-year license with fees paid to the county. The project will be built with private funding and no taxpayer dollars.

Twin Rinks is expected to have a $35 million impact on restaurants, hotels and other area businesses in its first five years of operation.

The center will be home to at least two youth hockey organizations, including the Long Island Gulls Amateur Hockey Association and the New York Junior Bobcats. It will also play host to in-house figure skating programs, learn-to-skate programs, a recreational youth hockey league and adult hockey leagues.

“The vision my administration holds for the Nassau County Hub continues to take shape with the addition of Twin Rinks in the famous Eisenhower Park,” County Executive Ed Mangano said in the statement. “I am delighted that Nassau County was able to partner with Chris and Peter Ferraro to bring this outstanding facility here. Creating this kind of sports entertainment destination will enhance our quality of life as well as create jobs and opportunities for residents.”